Camel racing in Egypt | DW Documentary

Key Concepts

Camel racing, child labor, Bedouin culture, Egyptian economy, tribal traditions, animal training, poverty, education, Zalaga race, Misana tribe, Tarabin tribe, cultural heritage, community support.

Child Labor and Exploitation

• Omar (10 years old): Works with camels and trains them. He states he earns 3,000 Egyptian pounds a month but only keeps 500, with the rest going to his family. He doesn't attend school, preferring working with camels. He mentions restrictions on talking about his siblings and family, reflecting Bedouin customs.
• Abdullah (14 years old): Has been working with camels since he was 10. He sends his earnings to his father for family needs, including marriage and housing. He expresses dislike for his boss, Yes, and the harsh treatment of the camels. He left school after an incident with a teacher and dreams of becoming a doctor if he could attend a better school.
• Working Conditions: The video highlights the harsh conditions faced by young camel jockeys, including long hours, potential abuse, and lack of access to education. The use of whips on camels, resulting in visible injuries, is shown.

Camel Training and Care

• Muhammad Abu Alon (34 years old): A camel trainer with years of experience, having learned from his father and grandfather. He describes the daily routine: waking up at 5:00 AM, feeding, saddling, training, cleaning, and watering the camels.
• Daily Routine: The daily schedule includes feeding at 8:30 AM, rest until 10:00 AM, watering and blanket removal, lunch at 2:00 PM, and training at 3:00 PM.
• Diet: Camels are fed barley, dates, and milk.
• Health Concerns: Swollen feet due to stones are a common issue, treated with warm water and salt.
• Discipline: Muhammad confronts Abdullah about smoking, emphasizing the importance of being responsible and a "man" while away from home.

The Zalaga Camel Race

• History: The Zalaga race originated around 35 years ago from an impromptu race between members of the Misana and Tarabin tribes. It has since grown into a major annual event.
• Date: The race takes place every year on January 10th.
• Location: The race is held in the Zalaga Valley.
• Tribal Significance: The race is a collaboration between the Tarabin and Misana tribes, with members of other tribes also participating and supporting.
• Course Conditions: The valley is described as rocky and uneven, with cars and crowds adding to the difficulty. The race is approximately 30 km long.
• Safety Concerns: The lack of separate tracks for camels and cars is a major concern, with cars often tailgating and potentially endangering the camels.
• Selection Criteria: Camels are selected based on training and physical condition to limit the number of participants to around 40-45.
• Prize Money and Donations: The winners receive prize money, and donations are collected from spectators to support all participating camel owners and riders. Riders receive 3,000 Egyptian pounds for participating.
• Financial Aspects: Organizing the race costs around 50,000 Egyptian pounds, with individual camels costing 9,000-10,000 Egyptian pounds per month for food and care.

Tribal Culture and Traditions

• Bedouin Customs: The video provides insights into Bedouin culture, including the importance of family support, the role of children in contributing to the household income, and certain restrictions on discussing family matters.
• Community Support: The race is a community event that brings together different tribes, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.
• Respect and Sportsmanship: Despite the competitive nature of the race, there is an emphasis on respect and sportsmanship between the tribes.
• Preservation of Heritage: The Zalaga race is seen as a heritage that the community wants to preserve for future generations.

Key Quotes

• Omar: "School is rubbish. Camels are much better."
• Abdullah: "I want to be free."
• Muhammad Abu Alon: "When you own a camel, it's seen as something grand. To me, it's majestic like being on top of the world."
• Shik Muhammad (Head of the Mezena tribe): "We have been blessed with the chance to meet with love and goodness in the Zalaga Valley."
• Holy Quran: "We have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other. The most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is the most pious of you."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• Egyptian Pound (EGP): The currency of Egypt.
• Bedouin: Nomadic Arab people inhabiting the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East.
• Zalaga: The valley where the annual camel race takes place.
• Misana and Tarabin: The two main tribes involved in the Zalaga camel race.
• Jockey: A person who rides in horse or camel races, especially as a profession.

Logical Connections

The video connects the individual stories of the young jockeys (Omar and Abdullah) with the larger context of the Zalaga camel race and the tribal traditions surrounding it. It shows how economic pressures and cultural norms contribute to child labor in the camel racing industry. The video also highlights the efforts to preserve the cultural heritage of camel racing while acknowledging the challenges and concerns related to safety and animal welfare.

Data and Statistics

• Omar earns 3,000 Egyptian pounds a month but only keeps 500.
• Organizing the Zalaga race costs about 50,000 Egyptian pounds.
• Each camel costs between 9,000 to 10,000 Egyptian pounds per month.
• The camels walk between 12 to 15 km every day.
• Riders receive 3,000 Egyptian pounds for participating in the Zalaga race.
• Around 40-45 camels participate in the race.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video provides a multifaceted look at the world of camel racing in Egypt, focusing on the lives of young jockeys, the traditions of the Bedouin tribes, and the significance of the Zalaga race. It reveals the economic realities that drive child labor, the cultural values that shape the community, and the challenges of balancing tradition with modern concerns about safety and animal welfare. The video underscores the importance of community support and the desire to preserve cultural heritage while also highlighting the need for improved conditions and opportunities for the young people involved in the industry.